GENERAL CABLES.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume L, Issue 59, 23 May 1907, Page 3

GENERAL CABLES.

MR DEAKIN AND LABOR. London, May 21. In connection with the meeting on the 10th instant betweeu Mr Deakin and industrial companies representing about a million of capital, who asked for reassurances upon a number of points respecting the economic and political conditions of Au*raiia, the chairman of the meeting, in a letter to the Press states that Mr Deakin merely replied to questions. After dealing with the matters of resources and development, Mr Deakin was asked respecting the. possibility of the Labor Party obtaining majorities in the State Legislatures. He discriminated between tin Australian Labor Party and similar parties in the Old World—distinguishing between the moderate and extreme wings. Recognising that the investor was apprehensive lest labor should obtain a majority in any State, and legislate accordingly... Mr Deakin examined the position of each State explaining that if labor stood alone it woulr) be unable to secure a majority in any State; certainly not in both branches of the local Legislature. Mr Deakin assured investors there was not the faintest reason for apprehension that they might be treated to any injustice by Australia. The meeting was private and was reported by one newspaper only, as cabled.

THE VALUE OF DISCIPLINE. London, May 21. Fire destroyed the Boys' Home at Sidcup, Kent. Six hundred boys, displaying splendid discipline, marched safely out of the building amid the cheers of the spectators.

FRENCH CRUISER ASHORE. London, May 21. Shanghai advices state that the French cruiser Chanzy is badly ashore at Saddle Islands.

THE SPANISH HEIR. Madrid, May 21. Forty-seven bishops were present al the baptising of the Prince of heir to the Spanish throne. They afterwards gave solemn adhesion to the dynasty.

NEW SOUTH WALES' POLITICS. Sydney, May 22. Mr Meftowan. at a lirge meeting, opened the Opposition campaign. He denounced the proposals to abolish the income lax and Arbitration Court and criticised the Government for what he termed the bogus prosecutions connected with the land scandals.

MELBOURNE TO SINGAPORE. Melbourne, Miy 22. The State Coverninent has arranged with the Currie C'oni|)any to rim a fiveweekly steam service between Melbourne and Singapore, {laying .1 subsidy of €2OOO per annum.

IiABWT EXTERMINATION. , Sydney, May E2. ; The South Australian Commissioners have reported adversely on Dr Danysz's virus experiments. They stale they have been a waste of time and money. Dr Danysz will proceed further.

AUSTRALIAN FRUIT INDUSTRY. Melbourne, May 22. A deputation of fruit-growers asked for total prohibition of the importation of fruit badly infested with the fruit fly. The Minister for Agriculture promised to submit the scheme to Mr Deakin as a tit subject for the forthcoming Premiers' conference.